ABSTRACT
There are times when engineers are called upon to describe objects, devices, or systems, and times when they are called upon to put forth logical arguments. Avid readers of popular scientific articles may notice a pattern. A typical piece will contain some real scientific meat, but the author won’t start or end the piece with that material. Indeed, the audience members will be assumed to approach the piece from many different directions and initial mindsets. The keyhole model is an example of conventional structure. It’s not suitable for writing journal papers, because journals and their readers demand formal structures starting with abstracts and introductions and ending with conclusions and reference lists. Some people like to start their writing projects with an outline.
